Research Article

L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms

Number: 42 December 25, 2019
  • Hüseyin Öz *
  • Fulda Karaazmak *
TR EN

L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

Most foreign or second (L2) language teaching happens in classrooms where teachers and learners share the same first language (L1), and there has been a long-standing controversy over using L1 in language teaching classrooms. Thus, the present study sought to explore English learners’ perceptions about using their L1 in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms. The study further aimed to investigate whether English proficiency level had any effect on learners’ preferences of using L1 in English classrooms. A total of 75 EFL learners enrolled in an English preparatory program at a foundation university in Ankara voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire to determine participants’ views on using their L1 in English classes. The results revealed that EFL learners supported the use of English as the only medium of instruction in EFL classrooms and English proficiency level had an effect on learners’ preferences of using L1. Findings also indicated that learners with a low level of English proficiency had more positive opinions about using L1 in EFL classrooms as opposed to learners with a high level of English proficiency. On the other hand, regardless of the proficiency level, all participants agreed that they might use their L1 in the class if they really needed to do so. Another significant finding of the study was that learners’ willingness to use L1 in the classroom decreased as their English proficiency level increased. In line with these findings, further recommendations were proposed regarding the place of L1 in EFL classrooms.

Keywords

References

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  2. Alshehri, E. (2017). Using learners’ first language in EFL classrooms. IAFOR Journal of Language Learning, 3(1), 20-33.
  3. Blackman, N. (2014). EFL teachers’ perceptions on the use of L1 in a primary and secondary classroom in Belarus. (Unpublished master’s thesis). University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
  4. Brown, H. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching. San Francisco, CA: Longman.
  5. Burden, P. (2000). The use of the students’ mother tongue in monolingual English “conversation” classes at Japanese universities. The Language Teacher, 24(6), 5-10.
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  7. Carson, E., & Kashihara, H. (2012). Using the L1 in the L2 classroom: The students speak. The Language Teacher, 36(4), 41-48.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Hüseyin Öz * This is me
Türkiye

Fulda Karaazmak * This is me
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 25, 2019

Submission Date

April 26, 2019

Acceptance Date

November 15, 2019

Published in Issue

Year 2019 Number: 42

APA
Öz, H., & Karaazmak, F. (2019). L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms. Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, 42, 213-222. https://doi.org/10.21497/sefad.675180
AMA
1.Öz H, Karaazmak F. L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms. SEFAD. 2019;(42):213-222. doi:10.21497/sefad.675180
Chicago
Öz, Hüseyin, and Fulda Karaazmak. 2019. “L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, nos. 42: 213-22. https://doi.org/10.21497/sefad.675180.
EndNote
Öz H, Karaazmak F (December 1, 2019) L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms. Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi 42 213–222.
IEEE
[1]H. Öz and F. Karaazmak, “L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms”, SEFAD, no. 42, pp. 213–222, Dec. 2019, doi: 10.21497/sefad.675180.
ISNAD
Öz, Hüseyin - Karaazmak, Fulda. “L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi. 42 (December 1, 2019): 213-222. https://doi.org/10.21497/sefad.675180.
JAMA
1.Öz H, Karaazmak F. L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms. SEFAD. 2019;:213–222.
MLA
Öz, Hüseyin, and Fulda Karaazmak. “L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, no. 42, Dec. 2019, pp. 213-22, doi:10.21497/sefad.675180.
Vancouver
1.Hüseyin Öz, Fulda Karaazmak. L2 Learners’ Perceptions of Using L1 in EFL Classrooms. SEFAD. 2019 Dec. 1;(42):213-22. doi:10.21497/sefad.675180

Cited By

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